EP2115302B1 - Compressor and oil blocking device therefor - Google Patents

Compressor and oil blocking device therefor Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP2115302B1
EP2115302B1 EP07793786.0A EP07793786A EP2115302B1 EP 2115302 B1 EP2115302 B1 EP 2115302B1 EP 07793786 A EP07793786 A EP 07793786A EP 2115302 B1 EP2115302 B1 EP 2115302B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
oil
casing
compressor
disposed
rotational shaft
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP07793786.0A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2115302A4 (en
EP2115302A1 (en
Inventor
Chul-Su Jung
Myung-Kyun Kiem
Ki-Tae Jang
Byeong-Chul Lee
Se-Heon Choi
Seon-Woong Hwang
Byung-Kil Yoo
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
LG Electronics Inc
Original Assignee
LG Electronics Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from KR1020070006267A external-priority patent/KR20080068445A/en
Priority claimed from KR1020070038514A external-priority patent/KR101386468B1/en
Application filed by LG Electronics Inc filed Critical LG Electronics Inc
Publication of EP2115302A1 publication Critical patent/EP2115302A1/en
Publication of EP2115302A4 publication Critical patent/EP2115302A4/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2115302B1 publication Critical patent/EP2115302B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04CROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04C18/00Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F04C18/02Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids of arcuate-engagement type, i.e. with circular translatory movement of co-operating members, each member having the same number of teeth or tooth-equivalents
    • F04C18/0207Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids of arcuate-engagement type, i.e. with circular translatory movement of co-operating members, each member having the same number of teeth or tooth-equivalents both members having co-operating elements in spiral form
    • F04C18/0215Rotary-piston pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids of arcuate-engagement type, i.e. with circular translatory movement of co-operating members, each member having the same number of teeth or tooth-equivalents both members having co-operating elements in spiral form where only one member is moving
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04CROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04C23/00Combinations of two or more pumps, each being of rotary-piston or oscillating-piston type, specially adapted for elastic fluids; Pumping installations specially adapted for elastic fluids; Multi-stage pumps specially adapted for elastic fluids
    • F04C23/008Hermetic pumps
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04CROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04C29/00Component parts, details or accessories of pumps or pumping installations, not provided for in groups F04C18/00 - F04C28/00
    • F04C29/0042Driving elements, brakes, couplings, transmissions specially adapted for pumps
    • F04C29/0085Prime movers
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04CROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04C29/00Component parts, details or accessories of pumps or pumping installations, not provided for in groups F04C18/00 - F04C28/00
    • F04C29/02Lubrication; Lubricant separation
    • F04C29/025Lubrication; Lubricant separation using a lubricant pump
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04CROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04C29/00Component parts, details or accessories of pumps or pumping installations, not provided for in groups F04C18/00 - F04C28/00
    • F04C29/02Lubrication; Lubricant separation
    • F04C29/026Lubricant separation
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04CROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04C29/00Component parts, details or accessories of pumps or pumping installations, not provided for in groups F04C18/00 - F04C28/00
    • F04C29/02Lubrication; Lubricant separation
    • F04C29/028Means for improving or restricting lubricant flow
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F04POSITIVE - DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; PUMPS FOR LIQUIDS OR ELASTIC FLUIDS
    • F04CROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT MACHINES FOR LIQUIDS; ROTARY-PISTON, OR OSCILLATING-PISTON, POSITIVE-DISPLACEMENT PUMPS
    • F04C2240/00Components
    • F04C2240/80Other components
    • F04C2240/807Balance weight, counterweight

Definitions

  • a compressor with an oil blocking device therefor are disclosed herein.
  • Compressors are known. However, they suffer from various disadvantages.
  • a compressor and oil blocking device therefor are provided which are capable of preventing oil from spreading onto, for example, a balance weight, which are capable of preventing oil from being excessively sucked into a compression device by a separating device disposed between a driving motor and the compression device, and which are capable of constantly maintaining a predetermined amount of oil in compression chambers regardless of a rotational speed of the driving motor by directly supplying oil to a bearing surface and the compression chambers and by easily discharging gas from an oil drain passage.
  • a trochoid gear pump may be used to smoothly supply oil to the compression device.
  • a synchronous reluctance motor may be used to enhance a performance of the compressor and to expand a driving region of the compressor.
  • the casing 10 includes a body 11, which may have having a cylindrical shape.
  • the driving motor 20 and the compression device 30 may be installed at upper and lower portions of an inner circumferential surface of the casing 10.
  • the casing 10 may further include an upper cap 12 and a lower cap 13 that hermetically cover upper and lower sides of the body 11.
  • the main frame 14 may include an axial hole 14a penetratingly formed at a center thereof, an oil pocket 14b, which may be disposed on an upper end of the axial hole 14a to collect oil sucked through the rotational shaft 23, an oil collecting hole 14c, which may be disposed at one side on an outer circumferential surface of the oil pocket 14b to collect the oil inside the oil pocket 14b to the casing 10, and an oil supplying hole 14d, which may be disposed at another side on the outer circumferential surface of the oil pocket 14b to partially supply the oil inside the oil pocket 14b to the compression chambers P.
  • An oil blocking device or unit 17 that prevents oil from spreading onto a balance weight 24 by receiving the axial hole 14a may be disposed adjacent a lower surface of the main frame 14.
  • the oil drain guide member 19 may have a rectangularly shaped sectional surface, and is coupled to the casing 10 by welding so that an opening thereof forms the oil drain path 19a together with an inner circumferential surface of the casing 10.
  • the oil drain guide member 19 may be formed to be tapered so that oil collected through the oil drain passage 18a may be smoothly drained.
  • an outlet of the oil drain guide member 19 may extend lower than an upper end of the coil 21a of the driving motor 20 so that drained oil may be prevented from being mixed with spread oil or refrigerant.
  • the driving motor 20 may include a stator 21 fixed to the casing 10 that receives power from outside, a rotor 22 disposed in the stator 21 with a pre-determined air gap therebetween and rotate by being interworked with the stator 21, and a rotational shaft 23 coupled to the rotor 22 by, for example, shrinkage fit to transmit a rotational force generated by the driving motor 20 to the compression device 30.
  • the rotational shaft 23 may be provided with an oil passage 23a therein penetratingly formed in a shaft lengthwise direction.
  • Oil passing holes 23b through which sucked oil may be supplied to the axial holes 14a and 15a of the main frame 14 and the sub-frame 15 may be formed in a radial direction at upper and lower sides of the oil passage 23a.
  • One or more gas discharge holes 23c through which gas sucked through the oil passage 23a together with oil may be discharged outside the oil passage 23a may be formed between the oil passing holes 23b.
  • the trochoid gear pump may include the inner gear 25a, the outer gear 25b, a pump cover 25c, and a mesh box 25d.
  • a thrust plate 25e may be installed between the rotational shaft 23 and the oil pump 25. The thrust plate 25e may be fixed to a through hole 15b of the sub frame 15.
  • the trochoid gear pump may have a plurality of inlets with height differences so that a predetermined amount of oil may always be pumped regardless of a mixed degree between oil and refrigerant. For instance, when oil and refrigerant are mixed with each other at an acceptable state, both the oil and the refrigerant are pumped through both inlets. On the contrary, when the refrigerant and the oil are mixed with each other at an inferior state in which the refrigerant is disposed below the oil, only the refrigerant may be pumped through an inlet disposed at a lower side resulting in oil deficiency. However, if the inlets are disposed with height differences, the oil disposed at an upper side may be pumped together with the refrigerant, thus enhanceing a lubricating performance.
  • the orbiting scroll 32 may be formed so that an orbiting wrap 32a forming the pair of compression chambers P together with the fixed wrap 31a of the fixed scroll 31 may have an involute shape at an upper surface of the plate portion 31d of the orbiting scroll 32.
  • a boss portion 32b coupled to the rotational shaft 23 and receiving a rotational force generated by the driving motor 20 may be formed at a center of the lower surface of the plate portion 32d.
  • the driving motor may be implemented as a synchronous reluctance motor
  • the compressor may have an enhanced performance when rotated at a low speed.
  • a heat emitting amount of the motor may be decreased, expanding a driving region of the compressor.
  • Embodiments disclosed herein provide a scroll compressor capable of always maintaining a predetermined amount of oil regardless of a rotational speed of a driving motor.

Description

    Technical Field
  • A compressor with an oil blocking device therefor are disclosed herein.
  • Background Art
  • Compressors are known. However, they suffer from various disadvantages.
  • Generally, a compressor is a device for converting mechanical energy into compression energy to compress a fluid. Compressors are divided into various kinds including a reciprocating compressor, a rotary compressor, a vane compressor, and a scroll compressor according to the method for compressing a fluid.
  • A scroll compressor may be provided with a driving motor that generates a driving force in a hermetic casing, and a compression device that compresses a refrigerant by receiving the driving force generated by the driving motor. The compression device may include an orbiting scroll coupled to a driving or rotational shaft of the driving motor that performs an orbit motion with respect to a fixed scroll to form a pair of compression chambers. As the compression chambers move towards a center, a refrigerant is consecutively compressed and then discharged.
  • Document US5591018 discloses a compressor with an oil blocking device similar to the one defined in claim 1. Document EP1286052 discloses a compressor having the features of the preamble with the exception of an oil blocking device.
  • Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem
  • When the driving motor rotates, oil contained in the inner space of the casing is sucked along the driving shaft to lubricate the compression device and cool the driving motor. However, such scroll compressors, when the driving motor rotates at a low speed, a pumping force for the oil is weak and vapor in the oil blocks an oil passage in the rotational shaft. Accordingly, an amount of oil supplied to the compression chambers is decreased increasing friction between the fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll. On the other hand, when the driving motor rotates at a high speed, an amount of spread oil is increased, supplying a large amount of oil to the compression chambers along with the refrigerant. Accordingly, a leakage amount of oil is increased, lowering reliability of the compressor. Also, as an amount of the supplied oil increases, a suction amount of the refrigerant decreases, lowering the reliability of the compressor.
  • Technical Solution
  • Embodiments disclosed herein provide a scroll compressor capable of always maintaining a predetermined amount of oil regardless of a rotational speed of a driving motor.
  • In accordance with an embodiment broadly described herein, there is provided a scroll compressor that includes the features as defined in claim 1.
  • Advantageous Effects
  • A compressor and oil blocking device therefor are provided which are capable of preventing oil from spreading onto, for example, a balance weight, which are capable of preventing oil from being excessively sucked into a compression device by a separating device disposed between a driving motor and the compression device, and which are capable of constantly maintaining a predetermined amount of oil in compression chambers regardless of a rotational speed of the driving motor by directly supplying oil to a bearing surface and the compression chambers and by easily discharging gas from an oil drain passage. A trochoid gear pump may be used to smoothly supply oil to the compression device. Further, a synchronous reluctance motor may be used to enhance a performance of the compressor and to expand a driving region of the compressor.
  • Brief Description of the Drawings
  • Embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, and wherein:
    • FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a scroll compressor according to an example not falling within the scope of the claims;
    • FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of an oil blocking device of the scroll compressor of FIG. 1 according to one example;
    • FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view of an oil blocking device of the scroll compressor of FIG. 1 according to another example;
    • FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of a separating device provided in an oil blocking device similar to FIG. 1;
    • FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views showing a separating device provided in an oil blocking device similar to Fig 4, of which the one shown in Fig. 6 is not in accordance with the claims;
    • FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a rotor and a rotation shaft of a driving motor of FIG. 1;
    • FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an oil pump of FIG. 1;
    • FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a structure for supplying oil to a compression chamber of FIG. 1;
    • FIGS. 10 and 11 are a graph showing an energy efficiency ratio (EER) and an oil circulation rate (OCR) of the compressor of FIG. 1; and
    • FIGS. 12-14 are exemplary installations of a compressor having an oil blocking device according to embodiments disclosed herein.
    Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention
  • Hereinafter, a scroll compressor and oil blocking device therefor according to embodiments will be explained in detail. Embodiments are disclosed herein implemented in a scroll compressor. However, embodiments may be implemented in other type compressors as well. Further, the scroll compressor may be a high side type scroll compressor or a low side type compressor.
  • As shown in FIG. 1, the scroll compressor 1 includes a casing 10 hermetically formed so as to contain oil therein, and to which a refrigerant suction pipe SP and a refrigerant discharge pipe DP may be connected, a driving motor 20 disposed in the casing 10 that generates a rotational force, and a compression device 30 disposed in the casing 10 that compresses a refrigerant by receiving the rotational force by from the driving motor 20.
  • The casing 10 includes a body 11, which may have having a cylindrical shape. The driving motor 20 and the compression device 30 may be installed at upper and lower portions of an inner circumferential surface of the casing 10. The casing 10 may further include an upper cap 12 and a lower cap 13 that hermetically cover upper and lower sides of the body 11.
  • A main frame 14 and a sub-frame 15 having axial holes 14a and 15a that support a rotational shaft 23 of the driving motor 20, respectively, may be fixed to upper and lower sides of the body 11. An oil level pipe 16a and an oil collecting pipe 16b, which each may be connected to a refrigerating cycle system, and that maintaining a pre-determined amount of oil may be communicated with a lower portion of the body 11.
  • The oil collecting pipe 16b may be positioned to be lower than the oil level pipe 16a.
  • The main frame 14 may include an axial hole 14a penetratingly formed at a center thereof, an oil pocket 14b, which may be disposed on an upper end of the axial hole 14a to collect oil sucked through the rotational shaft 23, an oil collecting hole 14c, which may be disposed at one side on an outer circumferential surface of the oil pocket 14b to collect the oil inside the oil pocket 14b to the casing 10, and an oil supplying hole 14d, which may be disposed at another side on the outer circumferential surface of the oil pocket 14b to partially supply the oil inside the oil pocket 14b to the compression chambers P. An oil blocking device or unit 17 that prevents oil from spreading onto a balance weight 24 by receiving the axial hole 14a may be disposed adjacent a lower surface of the main frame 14.
  • The oil blocking device 17 may have a cylindrical shape, as shown in FIG. 2, or may have a conical shape having a section downwardly extending, as shown in FIG. 3. Further, the oil blocking device 17 may be formed to have an area wide enough to receive certain mechanical parts, such as balance weight 24, so as to prevent oil from spreading there onto. The oil blocking device 17 may be formed to have an area wide enough to receive a coil 21a of a stator 21, or an area wide enough to overlap with the coil 21a in a vertical direction so that oil collected by contacting the oil blocking d evice 17 may be directly supplied onto the coil 21a in drop form. As shown in FIG. 3, one or more oil guiding portions 17a may extend from a lower surface of the oil blocking device 17 to supply collected oil onto the coil 21a.
  • A separating device 18 that separates the driving motor 20 and the compression device 30 is provided on the outer circumference of the oil blocking device 17, which may be disc shaped. As shown in FIG. 4, the separating device 18 is formed so that an inner circumferential surface thereof may be integrally extended from an upper outer circumferential surface of the oil blocking device 17, or so that an outer circumferential surface thereof may be adhered to an inner circumferential surface of the casing 10. Accordingly, oil inside the driving motor 20 may be prevented from being introduced into the compression chambers. An oil drain passage 18a through which oil supplied to the compression device 30 may be drained to the driving motor 20 is concavely formed at one side on an outer circumferential surface of the separating device 18. An oil drain guide member 19 disposed towards a lower side of the casing 10 is connected to the oil drain passage 18a, thereby preventing oil drained from the compression device 30 from spreading in the casing 10.
  • As shown in FIG. 5, the oil drain guide member 19 may have a rectangularly shaped sectional surface, and is coupled to the casing 10 by welding so that an opening thereof forms the oil drain path 19a together with an inner circumferential surface of the casing 10. The oil drain guide member 19 may be formed to be tapered so that oil collected through the oil drain passage 18a may be smoothly drained. Also, an outlet of the oil drain guide member 19 may extend lower than an upper end of the coil 21a of the driving motor 20 so that drained oil may be prevented from being mixed with spread oil or refrigerant.
  • As shown in FIG. 6, an oil drain guide member 19 not in accordance with the claims may be formed in a pipe shape. The oil drain passage 18a may be a hole, not a groove, so as to be tightly coupled to the oil drain guide member 19.
  • A refrigerant passage 18b that passes a refrigerant by connecting upper and lower sides of the casing 10 to each other on the basis of the separating device 18 may be formed at another side on the outer circumferential surface of the separating device 18. An oil separating plate (not shown) that separates oil from refrigerant sucked through the suction pipe SP may be inserted or communicated to/with the refrigerant passage 18b. The refrigerant passage 18b may be formed in a lower pressure type scroll compressor where the inner space of the casing 10 is filled with suction pressure, but may not be formed in a higher pressure type scroll compressor where the inner space of the casing 10 is filled with discharge pressure.
  • When the separating device 18 is provided with the oil blocking device 17, an oil drain guide passage (not shown) through which oil discharged from a discharge port 31c of the fixed scroll 31 together with a refrigerant may be guided to the oil drain passage 18a may be formed in the main frame 14 or the fixed scroll 31.
  • As shown in FIG. 1, the driving motor 20 may include a stator 21 fixed to the casing 10 that receives power from outside, a rotor 22 disposed in the stator 21 with a pre-determined air gap therebetween and rotate by being interworked with the stator 21, and a rotational shaft 23 coupled to the rotor 22 by, for example, shrinkage fit to transmit a rotational force generated by the driving motor 20 to the compression device 30.
  • As shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the rotor 22 may be provided with an axial hole 22a that receives the rotational shaft 23 at a center thereof. The rotor 22 may be a cylindrical rotor laminator formed as a plurality of thin steel plates laminated in a shaft lengthwise direction by, for example, shrinkage fit. A plurality of magnetic flux barriers 22b, which may be arc-shaped, may be penetratingly formed in a radial direction of the axial hole 22a along a circumferential direction of the rotor 22.
  • One or more oil collecting grooves 22c that enhance a heat emitting effect by passing collected oil into the rotor 22 may be formed on a circumferential surface of the axial hole 22a. The oil collecting grooves 22c may be formed in a shaft lengthwise direction, or in a direction inclined from a central longitudinal axis of the shaft. When being slantingly formed, the oil collecting groove 22c may be formed in a rotational direction of the rotational shaft 23 so as to smoothly collect oil.
  • The rotational shaft 23 may be provided with an oil passage 23a therein penetratingly formed in a shaft lengthwise direction. Oil passing holes 23b through which sucked oil may be supplied to the axial holes 14a and 15a of the main frame 14 and the sub-frame 15 may be formed in a radial direction at upper and lower sides of the oil passage 23a. One or more gas discharge holes 23c through which gas sucked through the oil passage 23a together with oil may be discharged outside the oil passage 23a may be formed between the oil passing holes 23b.
  • As shown in FIG. 1, the gas discharge hole 23c may be disposed at a lower side of the balance weight 24, thereby being prevented from being blocked by the balance weight 24 coupled to the rotational shaft 23. Also, the gas discharge hole 23c may be disposed inside the oil blocking device 17 so that oil leaked through the gas discharge hole 23c may be blocked by the oil blocking device 17.
  • As shown in FIG. 1, an oil pump 25 that pumps oil inside the casing 10 may be disposed at a lower end of the rotational shaft 23. The oil pump 25 may be a trochoid gear pump that forms a capacity by an inner gear 25a and an outer gear 25b applied so as to reduce time during which oil supply is stopped due to a suction pressure change and a liquid refrigerant vaporization.
  • A pump driving device 23e coupled to the inner gear 25a of the trochoid gear pump may be integrally formed at a lower end of the rotational shaft 23. A driving surface 23f that rotates the inner gear 25a by being engaged with the inner gear 25a may be disposed on an outer circumferential surface of the pump driving device 23e.
  • As shown in FIG. 8, the trochoid gear pump may include the inner gear 25a, the outer gear 25b, a pump cover 25c, and a mesh box 25d. A thrust plate 25e may be installed between the rotational shaft 23 and the oil pump 25. The thrust plate 25e may be fixed to a through hole 15b of the sub frame 15.
  • The trochoid gear pump may have a plurality of inlets with height differences so that a predetermined amount of oil may always be pumped regardless of a mixed degree between oil and refrigerant. For instance, when oil and refrigerant are mixed with each other at an acceptable state, both the oil and the refrigerant are pumped through both inlets. On the contrary, when the refrigerant and the oil are mixed with each other at an inferior state in which the refrigerant is disposed below the oil, only the refrigerant may be pumped through an inlet disposed at a lower side resulting in oil deficiency. However, if the inlets are disposed with height differences, the oil disposed at an upper side may be pumped together with the refrigerant, thus enhanceing a lubricating performance.
  • As shown in FIG. 1, the compression device 30 includes a fixed scroll 31 fixed to an upper surface of the main frame 14, an orbiting scroll 32 orbitably disposed on the upper surface of the main frame 14 so as to form a plurality of compression chambers P by being engaged with the fixed scroll 31, and an Oldham's ring 33 disposed between the orbiting scroll 32 and the main frame 14 that orbits the orbiting scroll 32 and prevents the orbiting scroll 32 from rotating about its central axis. The compression device 30 further includes a high-low pressure separating plate 34 disposed on a rear surface of a plate portion 31d of the fixed scroll 31 that divides an inside of the casing 10 into a suction space S1 and a discharge space S2, and a backflow preventing valve 35 that prevents backflow of discharge gas by opening and closing the discharge port 31c of the fixed scroll 31. The fixed scroll 31 may be formed so that a fixed wrap 31a that forms the compression chambers P may have an involute shape at a lower surface of the plate portion 31d. A suction port 31b that communicates with the suction space S1 of the casing 10 may be formed at a side surface of the plate portion 31d. The discharge port 31c through which a compressed refrigerant may be discharged to the discharge space S2 may be formed at a center of an upper surface of the plate portion 31d.
  • The orbiting scroll 32 may be formed so that an orbiting wrap 32a forming the pair of compression chambers P together with the fixed wrap 31a of the fixed scroll 31 may have an involute shape at an upper surface of the plate portion 31d of the orbiting scroll 32. A boss portion 32b coupled to the rotational shaft 23 and receiving a rotational force generated by the driving motor 20 may be formed at a center of the lower surface of the plate portion 32d.
  • As shown in FIG. 9, an oil injecting hole 32c that communicates with the oil supplying hole 14d of the main frame 14 to spray oil supplied through the oil supplying hole 14d to the compression chambers P may be formed at the plate portion 32d of the orbiting scroll 32. The oil injecting hole 32c may be formed before the orbiting wrap 32a starts a compression operation so as to prevent a refrigerant leakage therethrough. An oil storing groove 14e that stores a predetermined amount of oil may be formed at an end of the oil supplying hole 14d of the main frame 14 so that oil may be smoothly supplied through the oil injecting hole 32c.
  • Operation of a scroll compressor according to an embodiment disclosed herein will be explained herein below.
  • When power is supplied to the driving motor 20, the rotional shaft 23 rotates together with the rotor 22 to transmit a rotational force to the orbiting scroll 32. Then, the orbiting scroll 32 performs an orbiting motion on an upper surface of the main frame 14 due to the Oldham's ring 33 by an eccentric distance. Accordingly, the compression chambers P that consecutively move are formed between the fixing wrap 31b of the fixed scroll 31 and the orbiting wrap 32b of the orbiting scroll 32. As the orbiting scroll 32 continuously performs the orbiting motion, the compression chambers P move towards the center thus to have a decreased volume, thereby compressing a sucked refrigerant. Then, the compressed refrigerant is discharged to the discharge space S2 of the casing 10 through the discharge port 31c of the fixed scroll 31, to the refrigerating cycle system through the refrigerant discharge pipe DP, and the above processes are repeated.
  • The trochoid gear pump 25 disposed at a lower side of the rotational shaft 23 pumps oil contained in the casing 10 using a capacity formed between the inner gear 25a and the outer gear 25b thereof. Then, the oil is sucked to an upper end of the rotational shaft 23 through the oil passage 23a. Some of the oil is supplied to the axial holes 14a and 15a of the main frame 14 and the sub frame 15 through the oil passage holes 23b, and the other is spread from the upper end of the rotational shaft 23. Then, the oil spread from the upper end of the rotational shaft 23 is stored in the oil pocket 14b of the main frame 14. Some of the oil is collected in the oil collecting hole 14c of the casing 10, and the other is moved to a thrust bearing surface of the main frame 14 through the oil supplying hole 14d to be supplied to the compression chambers P through the oil injecting hole 32c of the orbiting scroll 32.
  • While the rotational shaft 23 rotates or the trochoid gear pump pumps oil, foam generated from the oil may be introduced into the oil passage 23a, preventing the oil from being sucked to the compressor. However, the gas is discharged from the oil passage 23a through the gas discharge hole 23c disposed in the middle portion of the rotational shaft 23. Accordingly, the oil may be smoothly supplied or sucked to the compressor.
  • Oil collected after being used to lubricate the axial hole 14a of the main frame 14 may be spread by being stirred by the balance weight 24. However, the oil is not spread into the casing 10 by the oil blocking device 17 disposed at a lower surface of the main frame 14, and then is separated from refrigerant and collected. The collected oil is supplied to the coil 21a of the stator 21 by the oil blocking device 17 or the oil guiding portion 17 a of the oil blocking device 17, thereby cooling the coil 21a. As shown in FIG. 4, when the separating device 18 is further provided at the oil blocking device 17, oil spread from the inner space of the casing 10 is not easily moved to the compression device 30 from the driving motor 20 due to the separating device 18. The oil is constantly supplied to the compression chambers P or between the main frame 14 and the orbiting scroll 32 from the oil pocket 14b of the main frame 14 through the oil supplying hole 14d and the oil injecting hole 32c of the orbiting scroll 32.
  • Accordingly, when the driving motor is rotated at a high speed, oil is prevented from being excessively supplied to the compression chamber of the compression device. As a result, an amount of a refrigerant sucked to the compression chamber is increased, enhancing efficiency of the compressor.
  • Also, even when the driving motor is rotated at a low speed, an amount of oil supplied to the compression chamber through the oil supplying hole and the oil injecting hole may always be constant. Accordingly, abrasion of the fixed scroll and the orbiting scroll due to oil deficiency may be prevented, and a performance of the compressor enhanced by reducing frictional loss. When the rotational shaft of the driving motor is rotated at a high speed, oil stirred by the balance weight may be prevented from spreading by the oil blocking device. Accordingly, oil mixed with refrigerant may be prevented from being excessively introduced into the compression chamber. As a result, an amount of oil leaked to the refrigerating cycle system together with compressed refrigerant may be reduced, thereby preventing reduced performance of the compressor due to oil deficiency.
  • FIG. 10 is a graph showing an energy efficiency ratio (EER) and an oil circulation rate (OCR) of the compressor of FIG. 1 according to whether the oil blocking device is provided or not. Referring to FIG. 10, the compressor having the oil blocking device has a higher EER than the compressor not having the oil blocking device by 0.5∼0.6, and shows a low oil circulation rate than that of the compressor not having the oil blocking device by approximately 12∼13wt%. The effects become more distinct when the compressor is rotated at a high speed of more than 60Hz.
  • Since the driving motor may be implemented as a synchronous reluctance motor, the compressor may have an enhanced performance when rotated at a low speed. Herein, a heat emitting amount of the motor may be decreased, expanding a driving region of the compressor.
  • Further, since the balance weight may be coupled to the rotational shaft, transformation of the rotational shaft due to an eccentric load of the driving motor may be prevented. Also, the eccentric load of the driving motor may be effectively compensated with a reduced weight of the balance weight.
  • Since a trochoid gear pump may be used as the oil pump, time during which oil supply is stopped due to a suction pressure change and a liquid refrigerant vaporization may be reduced. Also, the trochoid gear pump may be directly coupled to the rotational shaft, reducing the number of components and assembly processes.
  • Embodiments disclosed herein provide a scroll compressor capable of always maintaining a predetermined amount of oil regardless of a rotational speed of a driving motor.
  • In accordance with an embodiment broadly described herein, there is provided a scroll compressor that includes a casing having a hermetic inner space for contain oil therein a driving motor disposed at the inner space of the casing a compression device or unit coupled to a rotational shaft of the driving motor, disposed at the inner space of the casing, and forming a compression chamber as a fixing scroll and an orbiting scroll are engaged to each other, a frame fixedly disposed between the driving motor and the compression unit, for supporting the rotational shaft of the driving motor and the compression unit, an oil blocking device or unit disposed between the driving motor and the compression unit, for preventing oil from being introduced into the compression chamber, and an oil supplying device or unit for supplying oil sucked through the rotational shaft to the compression chamber.
  • Although an exemplary scroll compressor is presented herein, for ease of discussion, it is well understood that this can be equably applied to other types of compressors, or another application in which this type of oil blocking is required and/or advantageous.
  • More specifically, the compressor and oil blocking device therefor according to embodiments disclosed herein has numerous applications in which compression of fluid is required, and in different types of compressors. Such applications may include, for example, air conditioning and refrigeration applications. One such exemplary application is shown in FIG. 12, in which a compressor 710 having an oil blocking device according to embodiments disclosed herein is installed in a refrigerator/freezer 700. Installation and functionality of a compressor in a refrigerator is discussed in detail in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,082,776 , 6,955,064 , 7,114,345 , 7,055,338 , and 6,772,601 .
  • Another such exemplary application is shown in FIG. 13, in which a compressor 810 having an oil blocking device according to embodiments disclosed herein is installed in an outdoor unit of an air conditioner 800. Installation and functionality of a compressor in a refrigerator is discussed in detail in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,121,106 , 6,868,681 , 5,775,120 , 6,374,492 , 6,962,058 , 6,951,628 , and 5,947,373 .
  • Another such exemplary application is shown in FIG. 14, in which a compressor 910 having an oil blocking device according to embodiments disclosed herein is installed in a single, integrated air conditioning unit 900. Installation and functionality of a compressor in a refrigerator is discussed in detail in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,032,404 . 6,412,298 , 7,036,331 , 6,588,228 , 6,182,460 , and 5,775,123 .
  • Any reference in this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "example embodiment" etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.
  • Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the scope of claims. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims (7)

  1. A compressor, comprising:
    a casing (10) connected to a suction pipe (SP) and to a discharge pipe (DP);
    a compression device (30) having a compression chamber (P) and configured to receive, compress, and discharge a refrigerant;
    a drive motor (20) disposed in the casing (10);
    the casing including a body (11) and a main frame (14) fixed to the body (11);
    a fixed scroll (31) fixed to an upper surface of the main frame (14), and having a suction port (31 b) that communicates with the casing (10) and a discharge port (31 c) that communicates with the casing,
    an orbiting scroll (32) orbitably disposed on the upper surface of the main frame (14), the orbiting scroll (32) forming a plurality of compression chambers (P) by being engaged with the fixed scroll (31);
    a high-low pressure separating plate (34) disposed on the fixed scroll (31), the high-low pressure separating plate (34) dividing an inside of the casing (10) into a suction space (S1) and a discharge space (S2); and
    an oil blocking device (17) configured to block oil from the compression device from spreading onto certain mechanical parts disposed thereunder and from being introduced into the compression chamber (P),
    characterised
    in that the oil blocking device comprises a blocking plate (18) with at least one oil flow path (18a) adjacent an outer circumference of the blocking plate (18), the outer circumferential surface of the blocking plate (18) being adhered onto an inner circumferential surface of the casing (10),
    wherein the at least one oil flow path (18a) comprises at least one passage concavely formed at an outer periphery of the blocking plate (18),
    wherein the at least one concavely formed passage is disposed adjacent to the casing (10) to form an enclosed oil passage therewith,
    wherein a guide member (19) is disposed towards a lower side of the casing (10) so as to be connected to the oil flow path (18a), and
    wherein the guide member (19) is coupled to the casing (10) by welding so that an opening thereof forms the oil flow path (18a) together with an inner circumferential surface of the casing (10).
  2. The compressor of claim 1, wherein the drive motor (20) is configured to drive the compression device (30), and wherein the certain mechanical parts comprise a balance weight attached to a rotational shaft (23) connecting the motor to the compression device.
  3. The compressor of claim 2, wherein an oil supply hole (14d) is formed in the rotational shaft through which oil is supplied to the compression device.
  4. The compressor of claim 3, further comprising a pump (25) attached to the rotational shaft configured to pump oil within the oil supply hole (14d).
  5. The compressor of claim 4, wherein the pump (25) comprises a trochoid gear pump.
  6. The compressor of claim 4, further comprising at least one discharge hole (23c) formed in the rotational shaft (23) in communication with the oil passage (23a).
  7. The compressor of claim 3, wherein a hole (14a) formed in the main frame (14) is in communication with the oil passage (23a) formed in the rotational shaft (23).
EP07793786.0A 2007-01-19 2007-08-31 Compressor and oil blocking device therefor Active EP2115302B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR1020070006267A KR20080068445A (en) 2007-01-19 2007-01-19 Scroll compressor
KR1020070038514A KR101386468B1 (en) 2007-04-19 2007-04-19 Scroll compressor
PCT/KR2007/004216 WO2008088112A1 (en) 2007-01-19 2007-08-31 Compressor and oil blocking device therefor

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2115302A1 EP2115302A1 (en) 2009-11-11
EP2115302A4 EP2115302A4 (en) 2011-11-16
EP2115302B1 true EP2115302B1 (en) 2016-03-16

Family

ID=39636090

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07793786.0A Active EP2115302B1 (en) 2007-01-19 2007-08-31 Compressor and oil blocking device therefor

Country Status (3)

Country Link
US (1) US20080175738A1 (en)
EP (1) EP2115302B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2008088112A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US8974198B2 (en) 2009-08-10 2015-03-10 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Compressor having counterweight cover
KR101688147B1 (en) * 2010-06-24 2016-12-20 엘지전자 주식회사 Scorll compressor
US10227982B2 (en) * 2011-03-24 2019-03-12 Panasonic Intellectual Property Management Co., Ltd. Scroll compression device
CN103486046A (en) * 2012-06-14 2014-01-01 上海日立电器有限公司 Lower support mechanism for scroll compressor
JP6053823B2 (en) * 2012-12-20 2016-12-27 三菱電機株式会社 Hermetic rotary compressor
JP5655850B2 (en) * 2012-12-28 2015-01-21 ダイキン工業株式会社 Scroll compressor
WO2015140949A1 (en) * 2014-03-19 2015-09-24 三菱電機株式会社 Hermetic compressor and vapor compression refrigeration cycle device with said hermetic compressor
JP6102866B2 (en) * 2014-09-01 2017-03-29 ダイキン工業株式会社 Compressor
DE102014113949B4 (en) * 2014-09-26 2019-09-19 Technische Universität Dresden Device for changing the pressure of a working substance
CN105332913B (en) * 2015-11-23 2017-09-22 珠海格力节能环保制冷技术研究中心有限公司 A kind of screw compressor and the electric equipment products including the compressor
FR3067412B1 (en) * 2017-06-13 2019-07-19 Danfoss Commercial Compressors SPIRAL COMPRESSOR WITH FLUID DIVERTING DEVICE
WO2019155572A1 (en) * 2018-02-08 2019-08-15 三菱電機株式会社 Scroll compressor
JP7369934B2 (en) 2019-07-29 2023-10-27 パナソニックIpマネジメント株式会社 compressor
JP7226193B2 (en) * 2019-08-30 2023-02-21 株式会社豊田自動織機 electric compressor
KR102500686B1 (en) * 2021-03-19 2023-02-17 엘지전자 주식회사 Hermetic compressor

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1286052A2 (en) * 2001-08-20 2003-02-26 Lg Electronics Inc. Scroll compressor

Family Cites Families (48)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3922114A (en) * 1974-07-19 1975-11-25 Dunham Bush Inc Hermetic rotary helical screw compressor with improved oil management
JPS62203992A (en) * 1986-03-03 1987-09-08 Hitachi Ltd Enclosed scroll compressor
US5219281A (en) * 1986-08-22 1993-06-15 Copeland Corporation Fluid compressor with liquid separating baffle overlying the inlet port
JPH06100185B2 (en) * 1987-07-10 1994-12-12 株式会社日立製作所 Scroll compressor
KR960015822B1 (en) * 1991-10-03 1996-11-21 가부시끼가이샤 히다찌세이사꾸쇼 Closed type motor-driven compressor
JPH05149274A (en) * 1991-11-26 1993-06-15 Toshiba Corp Scroll type compressor
US5310326A (en) * 1992-09-14 1994-05-10 Mainstream Engineering Corporation Rotary compressor with improved bore configuration and lubrication system
JP3257847B2 (en) * 1993-02-10 2002-02-18 三菱電機株式会社 Compressor refueling device
US5370513A (en) * 1993-11-03 1994-12-06 Copeland Corporation Scroll compressor oil circulation system
US5591018A (en) * 1993-12-28 1997-01-07 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Hermetic scroll compressor having a pumped fluid motor cooling means and an oil collection pan
JPH084674A (en) * 1994-06-16 1996-01-09 Zexel Corp Scroll type compressor
US5533875A (en) * 1995-04-07 1996-07-09 American Standard Inc. Scroll compressor having a frame and open sleeve for controlling gas and lubricant flow
JP3081955B2 (en) * 1995-08-23 2000-08-28 三洋電機株式会社 Air conditioner
JP3723856B2 (en) * 1995-09-14 2005-12-07 ダイキン工業株式会社 Compact outdoor unit with high heat exchange capacity
JPH09112474A (en) * 1995-10-17 1997-05-02 Daikin Ind Ltd Refrigerant compressor
US5947373A (en) * 1996-02-09 1999-09-07 Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd. Refrigerant circuit with fluid heated refrigerant
JP2984640B2 (en) * 1997-12-18 1999-11-29 三菱重工業株式会社 Hermetic scroll compressor
US6301776B1 (en) * 1998-05-15 2001-10-16 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. System and method for assembling an outdoor unit of a dual-unit type air conditioner
US6149413A (en) * 1998-07-13 2000-11-21 Carrier Corporation Scroll compressor with lubrication of seals in back pressure chamber
US6182460B1 (en) * 1998-08-26 2001-02-06 Carrier Corporation Window room air conditioner
US6386840B1 (en) * 2000-02-04 2002-05-14 Scroll Technologies Oil return for reduced height scroll compressor
US6412298B2 (en) * 2000-04-29 2002-07-02 Lg Electronics Inc. Window type air conditioner
JP3760748B2 (en) * 2000-09-20 2006-03-29 株式会社日立製作所 Hermetic electric compressor
JP2002138961A (en) * 2000-11-06 2002-05-17 Fujitsu General Ltd Hermetic compressor
US6527085B1 (en) * 2000-11-14 2003-03-04 Tecumseh Products Company Lubricating system for compressor
US6422843B1 (en) * 2001-02-13 2002-07-23 Scroll Technologies Oil supply cross-hole in orbiting scroll member
CN1275014C (en) * 2001-04-07 2006-09-13 Lg电子株式会社 Apparatus and method for controlling cold air circulation in refrigerator
JP2003003974A (en) * 2001-06-20 2003-01-08 Fujitsu General Ltd Scroll compressor
DE10147947C1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-24 Siemens Ag Process for producing an anti-scatter grid or collimator
FR2830292B1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-12-19 Danfoss Maneurop S A LOW PRESSURE GAS CIRCUIT FOR A COMPRESSOR
KR100441000B1 (en) * 2001-11-08 2004-07-21 삼성전자주식회사 An air conditioning system with fan-casing
KR100423970B1 (en) * 2001-11-24 2004-03-22 삼성전자주식회사 Air conditioner and control method thereof
JP2003293955A (en) * 2002-04-01 2003-10-15 Daikin Ind Ltd Compressor
JP2003328963A (en) * 2002-05-16 2003-11-19 Daikin Ind Ltd Scroll compressor
KR20030089819A (en) * 2002-05-20 2003-11-28 엘지전자 주식회사 Compressor base cover of refrigerator
DE10248926B4 (en) * 2002-10-15 2004-11-11 Bitzer Kühlmaschinenbau Gmbh compressor
ES2553572T3 (en) * 2002-11-21 2015-12-10 Lg Electronics Inc. Air conditioning apparatus
US7032404B2 (en) * 2003-01-24 2006-04-25 Lg Electronics Inc. Air conditioner
KR100512677B1 (en) * 2003-02-21 2005-09-07 삼성전자주식회사 Refrigerator
US7311501B2 (en) * 2003-02-27 2007-12-25 American Standard International Inc. Scroll compressor with bifurcated flow pattern
US6772601B1 (en) * 2003-03-12 2004-08-10 Maytag Corporation Temperature control system for a refrigerated compartment
KR20050019591A (en) * 2003-08-20 2005-03-03 삼성전자주식회사 Integration Type Air Conditioner Having Condenser Casing
EP1524484A1 (en) * 2003-10-16 2005-04-20 Whirlpool Corporation Refrigerator
KR100547334B1 (en) * 2004-02-10 2006-01-26 엘지전자 주식회사 The structure for pipe of air-conditioner
KR100619741B1 (en) * 2004-09-13 2006-09-12 엘지전자 주식회사 Scroll compressor with oil discharge reduction function
KR100575815B1 (en) * 2004-12-10 2006-05-03 엘지전자 주식회사 Apparatus for reducing oil discharge of scroll compressor
US7186099B2 (en) * 2005-01-28 2007-03-06 Emerson Climate Technologies, Inc. Inclined scroll machine having a special oil sump
KR100724387B1 (en) * 2005-09-28 2007-06-04 엘지전자 주식회사 Oil pumping apparatus for enclosed compressor

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1286052A2 (en) * 2001-08-20 2003-02-26 Lg Electronics Inc. Scroll compressor

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20080175738A1 (en) 2008-07-24
EP2115302A4 (en) 2011-11-16
EP2115302A1 (en) 2009-11-11
WO2008088112A1 (en) 2008-07-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP2115302B1 (en) Compressor and oil blocking device therefor
US7473083B2 (en) Oil separating device for compressor
EP2177765B1 (en) Scroll compressor and refrigerating machine having the same
EP2243958B1 (en) Compressor and refrigerating apparatus having the same
US8992191B2 (en) Scroll compressor with differential pressure hole
EP2689137B1 (en) Scroll compressor
US6773242B1 (en) Scroll compressor with vapor injection
EP2113053B1 (en) Compressor and oil separating device therefor
US11248608B2 (en) Compressor having centrifugation and differential pressure structure for oil supplying
EP2048364A2 (en) Plural compressors with capacity control
EP1936197A1 (en) Scroll compressor with vapor injection system
EP2182307B1 (en) Hermetic compressor
CN110118180B (en) Scroll compressor having a plurality of scroll members
EP2177766A2 (en) Scroll compressor and refrigerating machine having the same
US9695823B2 (en) Compressor with unloader counterweight assembly
EP3418572A1 (en) Compressor having lubrication structure for thrust surface
CN218581801U (en) Compressor
US10816000B2 (en) Compressor having centrifugation structure for supplying oil
KR20100081812A (en) Scoroll compressor and refrigerator having the same
KR20110047014A (en) Scoroll compressor and refrigerator having the same

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20090806

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

DAX Request for extension of the european patent (deleted)
A4 Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched

Effective date: 20111018

RIC1 Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant

Ipc: F04C 29/02 20060101ALI20111012BHEP

Ipc: F04C 18/02 20060101AFI20111012BHEP

Ipc: F04C 29/00 20060101ALI20111012BHEP

Ipc: F04C 23/00 20060101ALI20111012BHEP

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20150226

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

INTG Intention to grant announced

Effective date: 20151016

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MT NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: REF

Ref document number: 781494

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20160415

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R096

Ref document number: 602007045321

Country of ref document: DE

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 10

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: NL

Ref legal event code: MP

Effective date: 20160316

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: LT

Ref legal event code: MG4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160617

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160316

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: AT

Ref legal event code: MK05

Ref document number: 781494

Country of ref document: AT

Kind code of ref document: T

Effective date: 20160316

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160316

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160316

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160316

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160316

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160716

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160316

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160316

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160316

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160316

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160316

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160718

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160316

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160316

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R097

Ref document number: 602007045321

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160316

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160316

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20161219

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160616

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160316

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

GBPC Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20160831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160831

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160316

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: MM4A

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 11

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160831

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT; INVALID AB INITIO

Effective date: 20070831

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160316

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20160831

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20160316

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: PLFP

Year of fee payment: 12

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Payment date: 20180710

Year of fee payment: 12

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Payment date: 20190819

Year of fee payment: 13

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20190831

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20200831

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20220615

Year of fee payment: 16